Zhi LING

OLYMPIC TRIALS
At the Chinese Olympic Trials held in late December 2021, five mixed doubles teams participated with athlete partnerships changing with each draw. Results and performance markers (“personal success rating”) were considered in the team’s final selection. “When I play with a new partner, we have to discuss tactics thoroughly. For example, my old partner and I understand each other with very brief discussion. But I’m very careful with a new partner. I played better and better at the Olympic Trials and gradually found my rhythm.” (CGTB Sports Scene YouTube, 29 Dec 2021)

FORMER TEAMMATE
A childhood friend of his previous mixed doubles teammate, Yang Ying. They’ve known each other for more than 12 years. (sohu.com, 20 Nov 2020)

TRAINING HARD
Physical training is the foundation of China's mixed doubles program. For weeks, training mimicked the hectic multi-game daily schedule of the Olympic programme. “I finished the last stop, and there is no rest for the day. Physical training on Sunday morning, adapt to the venue on Sunday afternoon, and start a new race on Monday.” (Athlete, min.news, 29 Jan 2022)

ON STAGE
Participated in the 2021 China Central Radio and Television Spring Festival Gala with mixed doubles teammate Yang Ying and a host of other celebrities. The entire gathering sang the song “Burning Snowflakes.”

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